Corporate Advocacy Program: The best way to manage and repair your business reputation. Hiding negative complaints is only a Band-Aid. Consumers want to see how businesses take care of business. All businesses will get complaints. How those businesses take care of those complaints is what separates good businesses from bad businesses.

On November 10, 2008 I received a collection statement (dated November 5, 2008) from Cavalry Portfolio Services indicating I owe them $589.27 for an unpaid Sprint bill. They offer "Cavalry's recession fighter program" so if I pay within 30 days they grant a 40% discount totaling $353.56 (although the payment coupon keeps the $589.27 amount). I knew something was wrong since I never had nor apply or ask for any service from Sprint.

I checked my Credit Report... and voila! Is now being adversely affected due to this FALSE charge. I immediately dispute it with Transunion, Experian and Equifax.

I called Cavalry and a person named "Mike" asked me my SS number which I didn't give; after indicating him the account number and explaining I NEVER had nor deal with Sprint, he asked me if I lived in a different address or if there were a family member with my same name. After answering him no, he just hung up on me. I called again and asked him what I needed to do in order to clear this problem he said "I'll review" and hung up on me again.

Then, I called Sprint requiring information about the account and the customer representative told me that the number provided does not exist in their system.

I want this company to delete all references of this account and COMPLETELY remove any report from my credit file.

After reading all the horror stories about this company, I started my homework. I wrote a dispute/validation letter which I will send tomorrow (certificate of mailing and return receipt) and filed complaints at BBB, FTC, Attorney General and NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.

I guess now it's only matter of wait. This company is totally bogus; I don't understand how the government can't stop them.

Corporate Advocacy Program: The best way to manage and repair your business reputation. Hiding negative complaints is only a Band-Aid. Consumers want to see how businesses take care of business. All businesses will get complaints. How those businesses take care of those complaints is what separates good businesses from bad businesses.

AUTHOR: John - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, January 30, 2009

POSTED: Friday, January 30, 2009

DO NOT pay this firm one penny simply to clear your credit files...If you do you will validate the debt as valid and you will own it....They could then keep this paid defaulted debt on your credit files for years.

According to the terms of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting written validation of this alleged debt, which includes:

- a copy of the original signed contract with my signature
- the account number for this alleged debt from Spring

Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the burden to validate the debt falls on the debt collector, NOT me. It is not my responsibility to validate this alleged debt.

By posting this negative account on my credit files, your firm obviously has my correct name, social security number and address. No further validation of my identity is needed.

Either validate this alleged debt per the terms of the FDCPA or remove it from my credit files. I have been in touch with Bud Hibbs and other consumer advocates and have been informed of your firm's tactics of stalling the requests for validation. Sending a request for identity (when your firm obviously has it) or sending out an identity theft request is not validation.

This debt validation request is being time stamped. Either validate the item or remove it from my credit files. Refusal to validate will be officially documented.

If this notation is not removed from my credit files, I will have no choice by to take legal action per my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. I also file reports with the Attorney General Andrew Cuomo of NY and the BBB if this bogus notation is not removed from my credit file .

Office of the Attorney General
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224-0341

AUTHOR: Me In Ri - (U.S.A.)

I am having similar problems with AT&T, Cavalry and Experian. It is a case of mistaken identity. Cavalry is bullying me and Experian likely casued the problem.

I have intitaed an investigation into Cavalry for illegal practices. If the FTC finds sufficient cause, they could inititaed a class action suit.

?If you read this and are having similar problems with Experien or cavalry, please file a report with the FTC: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/filing-a-report.html OR by
phone: 877382-4357

AUTHOR: Collector - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 09, 2008

POSTED: Tuesday, December 09, 2008

First I would like to say that I am sorry if the rep you spoke with was not helpful. Now the reason he would have asked you for the "last" 4 of your your ssn is because we have to verify whom we are speaking with and make sure we do not release personal information about our customers to the wrong party. It would be a violation of their privacy and we as the collector could be fined and so could the company. The only time they would ask you for your full ssn is if the number your calling from does not bring up any records (which means we do not have that number in our system). So we then ask for your social security to try and pull the acct up if you refuse we then try by name. If he was not able to verify the last 4 of the social security number he should have then sent you to compliance. He should have sent you to compliance regardless. Wether you did or you didn't verify the ssn. A dispute is a dispute. But before he does that he needs to ask a few more questions. The reason he asked you if you lived @ another address is because the add he gave you is where the service was being provided when the account was opened. So he maybe thought if you did not open the account nor live @ that add. You may know who did and that would help you narrow down who might have dont this to you. Once you are sent to compliance (where our fraud dept is located) you are removed from collections. They then send you out a fraud packet. Your required to fill it out completely and send back everything it requires. That way they are able to investigate it for you. Keep in mind if you do not send it back they will forward your account back to collections assuming you acknowledge the debt. So if this account really isn't yours I would advise you to contact them back and tell them you are claiming fraud. When you recieve the packet FILL IT OUT! Cavalry cannot help you if you do not give them the information they need. As far as the Original Creditor goes the reason they could not find the number you provided in their system is because they no longer own the debt. Cavalry does. So they would not be able to give you any information on the account. They would just refer you back to us. Cavalry is a multi billion dollar company who purchases debt to collect. that is the differance between a debt collection company and a debt collection agency. We do not work for anyone. Since we have the bill of sale for the accounts and no longer does the original creditor we would be the ones reporting to your credit report as a collection account and the original creditor would report it as a charge off.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 25, 2008

POSTED: Tuesday, November 25, 2008

So, Transunion and Experian deleted the bad comment. Equifax answered time ago saying that it's mine.
I'm writing letters to all three to ask to remove the comment (Equifax) and requesting all to remove the inquiries.

I'll keep an eye to them and report back here.

Robert, Thank you very much for your input, it was really helpful. Thank you very much!!

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, November 17, 2008

POSTED: Monday, November 17, 2008

This is weird... I received a letter from Cavalry dated November 13, 2008.
Dear Customer:
This is to inform you that Cavalry Portfolio Services has closed your account.
If you have any further question, blah, blah..
Sincerely
NAME
This communication is from a debt collector. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Well, first they say the account is closed and then repeat that is an attempt to collect a debt...

I will be writting to the Credit Bureaus to dispute the report and my address (in one of them) which is incorrect.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 16, 2008

POSTED: Sunday, November 16, 2008

Robert,
Thank you. You are right. I already did what you mentioned.
I already sent my validation letter and waiting for my next step disputing with the credit bureaus.
Since this was my first problem I made the mistake contacting Sprint.

Now all my comminication with Sprint has been my email. They, of course, claim identity theft but I can't find any other problem or issue in my credit reports. No account has been tampered and no new accounts are found; so I'm guessing it is just Sprint bothering me.
The mediator is just a NYC-DCA requirement, is the person assigned to my case.

I followed the path of filing claims with all agencies and trying to make it as plublic as I can.

I really see not only a problem with Cavalry but Sprint. As far as I'm checking, it is or was so easy to get a cell phone as only giving them a name and address... so when they don't get paid, then they turn over to Cavalry and look for a matching name\address and just attack.
This must end! But in a perfect world Cavalry wouldn't exisit if Sprint were diligent in their business. Both have to be stopped!
I'll keep updating and documentating all this hell for all the people caught in this scams.
Thank you for your suggestions.

AUTHOR: Robert - (U.S.A.)

First off, stop talking to them on the phone. Within 30 days of receiving the letter, send Calvary a demand for validation letter. The one I've used and recommended for others I got from a web site:

Cavalry Portfolio Services...
Address

Re: Acct # ########

This letter is being sent to you in response to a notice received on xxxxxxx, 2008.

Be advised this notice is sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692(g) notifying you that your claim is disputed and validation is requested.

This is NOT a request for "verification" or proof of my mailing address, but a request for VALIDATION made pursuant to the above named title and section. I am requesting that your offices provide me with competent evidence showing proof of debt. Furthermore, under the above stated act, you are expected to cease all attempts to collect this debt until such time as you have validated the debt.

I am requesting the following information:

A. An accounting of the debt, including date of last activity.
B. Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay this alleged debt.
C. The name and address of the original creditor
D. The original account number.
E. Proof that I ever obtained this alleged debt.
F. Proof you have the right to collect this alleged debt.

I am further notifying you that all further communication be made in writing. No telephone contact is to be made by your offices. Attempted telephone communication with me, including but not limited to computer generated calls and calls or correspondence sent to or with any third parties will be considered a violation of the above act.

Your anticipated cooperation in this regard is appreciated.

/s/
Your name...

Send it certified, RR Requested. Put the certification number on the letter itself.

At this point you do not have to give anyone your SSAN. It is up to them to prove you owe the debt. Furthermore, once they receive the letter they are required by law to cease all attempts to collect until they validate. Once you have, if any, validation, you can go from there.

You may want to check and make sure that you have NOT been the victim of identity theft. This is what happened to me.

AUTHOR: Robert - (U.S.A.)

First off, stop talking to them on the phone. Within 30 days of receiving the letter, send Calvary a demand for validation letter. The one I've used and recommended for others I got from a web site:

Cavalry Portfolio Services...
Address

Re: Acct # ########

This letter is being sent to you in response to a notice received on xxxxxxx, 2008.

Be advised this notice is sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692(g) notifying you that your claim is disputed and validation is requested.

This is NOT a request for "verification" or proof of my mailing address, but a request for VALIDATION made pursuant to the above named title and section. I am requesting that your offices provide me with competent evidence showing proof of debt. Furthermore, under the above stated act, you are expected to cease all attempts to collect this debt until such time as you have validated the debt.

I am requesting the following information:

A. An accounting of the debt, including date of last activity.
B. Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay this alleged debt.
C. The name and address of the original creditor
D. The original account number.
E. Proof that I ever obtained this alleged debt.
F. Proof you have the right to collect this alleged debt.

I am further notifying you that all further communication be made in writing. No telephone contact is to be made by your offices. Attempted telephone communication with me, including but not limited to computer generated calls and calls or correspondence sent to or with any third parties will be considered a violation of the above act.

Your anticipated cooperation in this regard is appreciated.

/s/
Your name...

Send it certified, RR Requested. Put the certification number on the letter itself.

At this point you do not have to give anyone your SSAN. It is up to them to prove you owe the debt. Furthermore, once they receive the letter they are required by law to cease all attempts to collect until they validate. Once you have, if any, validation, you can go from there.

You may want to check and make sure that you have NOT been the victim of identity theft. This is what happened to me.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 15, 2008

POSTED: Saturday, November 15, 2008

Sprint contacted me, they insist I had an account in my name. They asked to contact their Fraud Department. I answer the e-mail asking for an address to send my dispute in writing.
I read Sprint webpage and they request for copies of SS, ID, etc.
I'm afraid they only want the info to fill the blanks in the documentation they have. As I said, I never requested any service from them and in my research it looks they get "customers" without asking for proper ID.

When I got my Verizon and T-Mobile phones, both required copies and SS# and both appeared in my Credit report as "Regular Inquiries" but Sprint was never there and Cavalry showed up until 2008.
I'm not willing to give Sprint any of my inforation, they only showed me that they are an unescrupulous company.

Today I received an E-mail from NYC-DCA requesting more information (copies of documents) which I sent right away. In their letter they mention a "mediation process": DCA review the case, they request information, assign a mediator, the mediator try to reach an agreement, if the issue cannot be resolved DCA's administrative law judges will hear the case or DCA will refer the consumer to Small Claim Count, then case closed.
I hope they will really help me. At least I know this agency is doing somthing. I haven't hear from the other complaints I filed.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

POSTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

I contacted Sprint via email. In the last communication they state they have an account opened on May 2004 under my name. I visited Sprint webpage and read their ridiculous, expensive and time consuming requirements. Interesting is that they stated "If you have been contacted by a collection agency regarding an outstanding debt with Sprint, and you have never had Sprint service, Sprint requires you to complete an ID theft package.."

What? THEY made the mistake, THEY try to destroy MY credit and now they have the guts to ask me for MY REAL DOCUMENTS.

No! I'm not fighting Identity Theft here! I'm fighting a FALSE claim. So now, I will send a Validation letter directly to Sprint requesting a copy of the contract signed by me and a copy of all identity proof requested at the moment of the contract. Funny thing is that Sprint NEVER checked my Credit Report and now they want MY SS#... Why? To try to blame me for some other account opened carelessly by them?

Transunion sent me the resolution summary of my request of investigation.
Result: Deleted
They deleted the Cavalry report and now there are no negative comments.
Let's see how long this last.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

POSTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

I contacted Sprint via email. In the last communication they state they have an account opened on May 2004 under my name. I visited Sprint webpage and read their ridiculous, expensive and time consuming requirements. Interesting is that they stated "If you have been contacted by a collection agency regarding an outstanding debt with Sprint, and you have never had Sprint service, Sprint requires you to complete an ID theft package.."

What? THEY made the mistake, THEY try to destroy MY credit and now they have the guts to ask me for MY REAL DOCUMENTS.

No! I'm not fighting Identity Theft here! I'm fighting a FALSE claim. So now, I will send a Validation letter directly to Sprint requesting a copy of the contract signed by me and a copy of all identity proof requested at the moment of the contract. Funny thing is that Sprint NEVER checked my Credit Report and now they want MY SS#... Why? To try to blame me for some other account opened carelessly by them?

Transunion sent me the resolution summary of my request of investigation.
Result: Deleted
They deleted the Cavalry report and now there are no negative comments.
Let's see how long this last.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

POSTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

I contacted Sprint via email. In the last communication they state they have an account opened on May 2004 under my name. I visited Sprint webpage and read their ridiculous, expensive and time consuming requirements. Interesting is that they stated "If you have been contacted by a collection agency regarding an outstanding debt with Sprint, and you have never had Sprint service, Sprint requires you to complete an ID theft package.."

What? THEY made the mistake, THEY try to destroy MY credit and now they have the guts to ask me for MY REAL DOCUMENTS.

No! I'm not fighting Identity Theft here! I'm fighting a FALSE claim. So now, I will send a Validation letter directly to Sprint requesting a copy of the contract signed by me and a copy of all identity proof requested at the moment of the contract. Funny thing is that Sprint NEVER checked my Credit Report and now they want MY SS#... Why? To try to blame me for some other account opened carelessly by them?

Transunion sent me the resolution summary of my request of investigation.
Result: Deleted
They deleted the Cavalry report and now there are no negative comments.
Let's see how long this last.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

POSTED: Thursday, November 13, 2008

I contacted Sprint via email. In the last communication they state they have an account opened on May 2004 under my name. I visited Sprint webpage and read their ridiculous, expensive and time consuming requirements. Interesting is that they stated "If you have been contacted by a collection agency regarding an outstanding debt with Sprint, and you have never had Sprint service, Sprint requires you to complete an ID theft package.."

What? THEY made the mistake, THEY try to destroy MY credit and now they have the guts to ask me for MY REAL DOCUMENTS.

No! I'm not fighting Identity Theft here! I'm fighting a FALSE claim. So now, I will send a Validation letter directly to Sprint requesting a copy of the contract signed by me and a copy of all identity proof requested at the moment of the contract. Funny thing is that Sprint NEVER checked my Credit Report and now they want MY SS#... Why? To try to blame me for some other account opened carelessly by them?

Transunion sent me the resolution summary of my request of investigation.
Result: Deleted
They deleted the Cavalry report and now there are no negative comments.
Let's see how long this last.

AUTHOR: Jfd55 - (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

POSTED: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I received answer from Equifax: Equifax verified that this item belongs to you. Additional information has been provided from the original source regarding this item... then it is mentioned exactly the same numbers cavalry gave.

What a joke! What kind of review is this?
"Hey buddy, can you verify this? Yeah bro, it belongs to him. Done!"
All this mafia work together!

I only hope for a big class action or something to stop this scum companies.

John, thank you for your tip, I think I'll wait the 30 days until this thieves can't provide the documentation and then, with all the copies and information I'm collecting, send a BIG package to each credit report agency.

I will file another compliant against Sprint to make them give me documentation stating I never had business with them. Certainly I will NEVER do business with them either.

I'm totally angry, mostly to the government; they should do something, they have the power to disappear this criminals but they choose to help so they tell them bad boy don't do it again and more and more people get affected but God forbid if you don't pay taxes or do a small thing because then they really put all the effort to get you.

Corporate Advocacy Program: The best way to manage and repair your business reputation. Hiding negative complaints is only a Band-Aid. Consumers want to see how businesses take care of business. All businesses will get complaints. How those businesses take care of those complaints is what separates good businesses from bad businesses.